Mahoning County Added to FEMA Disaster Declaration

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Mahoning County has been added to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Individual Assistance program due to flooding that occurred in late May.

“Numerous families that have never had water issues before saw extreme flooding,” DeWine said. “I am pleased that FEMA acknowledges the flooding damage in Mahoning County and is stepping up to the plate to help those affected by this severe storm.”

Mahoning County was added to the list of counties included in the federal disaster declaration last month by President Donald Trump after 21 tornadoes touched down during the severe storms that passed through Ohio on May 27 through 29. 

“The same storm system that spawned tornadoes in the areas of Dayton, Trotwood and Celina last month also dumped rain on parts of Mahoning County, leading to severe flooding,” DeWine said last week when asking FEMA to add Mahoning County to the disaster.

Flooding was most severe in Boardman and Canfield, damaging businesses along the U.S. Route 224 corridor and other low-lying areas.

In addition to possible low-interest loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration, the declaration opens up individual assistance for residents of Mahoning County. In a letter sent to FEMA last week, Ohio Emergency Management Agency Executive Director Sima Merick said 20 apartment units in Canfieled and four in Boardman were rendered uninhabitable by flooding.

Individuals and businesses impacted from the storms in the 11 declared counties can register for FEMA assistance at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1 800 621 3362. 

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.